Page 43 - Masala E-magazine Vol 9 Issue 2 October - November 2017

Sunaina Kwatra had just completed her MBA degree
when she did her rst internship at Citibank in Hong
Kong. This adventurous woman later realised that a desk
job was simply not for her. She preferred taking action
and seeing results, and so she found her calling in the
fashion industry, where tangible goods entice even the
least avid consumers. Seeking greater potential, she
eventually made her way to New Delhi, working as the
country manager for one of the most prestigious labels
in the world — Louis Vuitton. And her days are never
the same, as she is constantly on the move, juggling
between work, travel and social engagements.

But no matter where she goes, with her signature dark
hair and bold demeanor, she is a head turner in designer
out ts and a familiar face in the fashion crowd. Get to
know our cover star, Sunaina who reveals more about
making it to the top at a young age.

Tell us a little bit about your background.
I want to start by saying that the main reason I am
doing this cover story is to surprise my mother and
make her day.

My father wanted daughters, so he got three of us to
rule the world with. I am the eldest of three powerful
sisters and we get our strength from our family.
My sister Rashmi is starting her own hedge fund in
Singapore after becoming one of the youngest partners
in the industry. My sister Rashima is in New York
working for an important NGO. I am heading the country
for the world’s largest luxury fashion brand. I dedicate
this interview to women of all ages: to inspire them to
push themselves in whatever manner they wish. We
only live once, let’s make it count!

After completing your bachelor’s degree in Australia,
you initially worked for six years as the managing
director for your family business, Kwatra (Thailand)
Co,. What was your experience like working for a
family fi rm?
My father was, and still is, my rst mentor. He retired
from this business when I joined but the experience
taught me so much. It built my fundamentals in
managing a company. More importantly, it taught me
that in order to succeed in any business, it is imperative
to create a WE culture versus an I culture. My father
knows what he likes and how he likes it. Unknowingly,
he trained me to be an extremely detailed oriented and
client centric person. These values are essential to
succeed in the luxury goods industry.

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